Agriculture – Level 3

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Courses Code

QF3AG540

Study method

Full Time

Location(s)

Rodbaston

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Is this course for you?

Agriculture has formed an important part of the UK economy for decades and continues to be an important part of our sustainability as a nation, it is undergoing a rapid increase in technology that improves precision and protects sustainable systems.

This level 3 route into industry or higher education allows you to study in depth the techniques employed in modern agriculture and how it can be beneficial to the ongoing prosperity of our diverse countryside and benefit the ecosystems and businesses that rely on it.

Studying at the Rodbaston Campus will give you a great start in the agricultural sector with access to the college estate, with its variety of habitats and farm systems – as well as working along side the local farming community with trips, guest speakers and practical sessions.

If you like the hands on approach, this course will be ideal and can lead to employment or higher education.
Required qualifications

To be accepted onto the course, you will need a minimum of 4 GCSEs at Grade 4 or above, one of which must be either English or maths and one of which must be science, or equivalent qualifications.

Alternatively, you will have passed a relevant Level 2 qualification and also have either GCSE English or maths as well as GCSE science.

Adult learners aged 19+ with other qualifications and/or experience are also welcomed and are accepted on a case-by-case basis. If you are aged 19+, you may be eligible to study this course for free depending on your individual circumstances. You can read more about the different financial support on offer at the college here.
What skills will I develop?

Over the course of the two years, you can expect to cover skills and knowledge relating to the following units:

Year 1:
- Principles of health and safety
- Undertake and review work related experience in the land-based industries
- Land-based industry machinery operations
- Agricultural crop production
- Plant and soil science
- Undertake estate skills
- Livestock husbandry
- Business management in the land-based sector
- Farm habitat management
- Sheep production
Year 2:
- Undertake a specialist project in the land-based sector
- The principles of grassland management
- Farm animal health and nutrition
- Pollution and waste control management
- Dairy production
- Beef production
- Exploring improvements, opportunities for diversification and new business initiatives within the land-based sector
- Farm animal science
- All-terrain vehicles and rough terrain telescopic forklifts
Careers

You will gain many skills that will be used within employment. There are many careers within the agriculture industry such as:
- Farm Worker
- Stockperson
- Agronomist
- Tractor Driver
- Sales/Buyer
- Contractor
- Relief Milker
- Advisor
- Nutritionist
- Farm Manager
Work experience

Throughout the course, you will be expected to complete a minimum of 150 hours of work experience per year in a relevant industry setting and will be responsible for sourcing your own work experience placement.

Work experience is designed to further develop and enhance the skills being taught during your college practical sessions and is an important part of the course ahead of starting your career.

Former students have worked in places such as:
- Dairy Farms
- Fruit Farms
- Agricultural Stores
- Farm Shops
- Traditional Butchers
English and maths

If you are aged 16-18 and don’t have a Grade 4 or above in English or maths, you will be required to attend weekly GCSE classes during your time at college.

If you are aged 19+ and would like to gain a recognised qualification in English, maths, or both, you can explore the range of GCSE and Functional Skills courses we offer for adults at the college here.

English and maths skills will also be embedded within all units of your main qualification including:
- English – communication, assignment writing, and reading instructions on medicine bottles.
- Maths – working out dose rates for medicines, chemical rates for crops, and the daily life weight gain of stock.
The benefits of improving these skills are not to be underestimated as they can help lead to better employment prospects and higher earning potential in your chosen career.
Other important information

No specific uniform is required, but you will need a pair of overalls, a pair of waterproofs, and a pair of safety boots and/or wellies with a steel toe cap, for practical sessions.

It would also be helpful to have access to both a computer or laptop and the internet in order to be able to complete independent research and assignments at home.

We would also recommend reading industry magazines such as Farmers Guardian and Farmers Weekly to stay up to date with the latest agricultural news.

Is this course for you?

Agriculture has formed an important part of the UK economy for decades and continues to be an important part of our sustainability as a nation, it is undergoing a rapid increase in technology that improves precision and protects sustainable systems.

This level 3 route into industry or higher education allows you to study in depth the techniques employed in modern agriculture and how it can be beneficial to the ongoing prosperity of our diverse countryside and benefit the ecosystems and businesses that rely on it.

Studying at the Rodbaston Campus will give you a great start in the agricultural sector with access to the college estate, with its variety of habitats and farm systems – as well as working along side the local farming community with trips, guest speakers and practical sessions.

If you like the hands on approach, this course will be ideal and can lead to employment or higher education.
Required qualifications

To be accepted onto the course, you will need a minimum of 4 GCSEs at Grade 4 or above, one of which must be either English or maths and one of which must be science, or equivalent qualifications.

Alternatively, you will have passed a relevant Level 2 qualification and also have either GCSE English or maths as well as GCSE science.

Adult learners aged 19+ with other qualifications and/or experience are also welcomed and are accepted on a case-by-case basis. If you are aged 19+, you may be eligible to study this course for free depending on your individual circumstances. You can read more about the different financial support on offer at the college here.
What skills will I develop?
Over the course of the two years, you can expect to cover skills and knowledge relating to the following units:

Year 1:
- Principles of health and safety
- Undertake and review work related experience in the land-based industries
- Land-based industry machinery operations
- Agricultural crop production
- Plant and soil science
- Undertake estate skills
- Livestock husbandry
- Business management in the land-based sector
- Farm habitat management
- Sheep production
Year 2:
- Undertake a specialist project in the land-based sector
- The principles of grassland management
- Farm animal health and nutrition
- Pollution and waste control management
- Dairy production
- Beef production
- Exploring improvements, opportunities for diversification and new business initiatives within the land-based sector
- Farm animal science
- All-terrain vehicles and rough terrain telescopic forklifts
Careers
You will gain many skills that will be used within employment. There are many careers within the agriculture industry such as:
- Farm Worker
- Stockperson
- Agronomist
- Tractor Driver
- Sales/Buyer
- Contractor
- Relief Milker
- Advisor
- Nutritionist
- Farm Manager
Work experience
Throughout the course, you will be expected to complete a minimum of 150 hours of work experience per year in a relevant industry setting and will be responsible for sourcing your own work experience placement.

Work experience is designed to further develop and enhance the skills being taught during your college practical sessions and is an important part of the course ahead of starting your career.

Former students have worked in places such as:
- Dairy Farms
- Fruit Farms
- Agricultural Stores
- Farm Shops
- Traditional Butchers
English and maths
If you are aged 16-18 and don’t have a Grade 4 or above in English or maths, you will be required to attend weekly GCSE classes during your time at college.

If you are aged 19+ and would like to gain a recognised qualification in English, maths, or both, you can explore the range of GCSE and Functional Skills courses we offer for adults at the college here.

English and maths skills will also be embedded within all units of your main qualification including:
- English – communication, assignment writing, and reading instructions on medicine bottles.
- Maths – working out dose rates for medicines, chemical rates for crops, and the daily life weight gain of stock.
The benefits of improving these skills are not to be underestimated as they can help lead to better employment prospects and higher earning potential in your chosen career.
Other important information

No specific uniform is required, but you will need a pair of overalls, a pair of waterproofs, and a pair of safety boots and/or wellies with a steel toe cap, for practical sessions.

It would also be helpful to have access to both a computer or laptop and the internet in order to be able to complete independent research and assignments at home.

We would also recommend reading industry magazines such as Farmers Guardian and Farmers Weekly to stay up to date with the latest agricultural news.

Testimonials

“I’ve had a brilliant two years at Rodbaston. It was very daunting going back into education in my 30s, but college made it a brilliant experience and I’ve learnt a lot. I’m currently working on a farm in South Derbyshire and I’m looking to progress within the dairy sector.”

Elizabeth Stevens

Former Level 3 Agriculture Student

“I joined Rodbaston College for a Level 3 Agriculture course and thoroughly enjoyed every moment of it. Completing the course with a triple distinction has allowed me to get a high role in a herdsman position on a dairy farm.”

Joshua Truman

Former Level 3 Agriculture Student

“The skills I have developed at this college have thoroughly prepared me for my future career and I plan to expand my knowledge by completing a Bsc Hons in Crop Science.”

Morgan Looker

Former Level 3 Agriculture Student

Apply for a course

Agriculture Level 3 540 (LE3) (FCFJ)

Rodbaston College

Start Date: September

Code: QRF3AG540-Y1

Full Time: 35 Weeks

Day(s): Usually 3-4 days per week

Apply

Agriculture – Level 3

Is this course for you?

Required qualifications

What skills will I develop?

Careers

Work experience

English and maths

Other important information

Testimonials

Apply for a course

Agriculture Level 3 540 (LE3) (FCFJ)